Power cord system for welding-type devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to welding-type devices, andmore particularly, to a power cord system for communicating differentpower signals to a welding-type device.

Known welding-type devices generally include a power source that isconstructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-typeapplications from a power signal input to the welding-type device. Thepower signal delivered to the welding-type device can be provided froman internal generator powered by an internal combustion engine oranother external power source such as a conventional outlet.Conventional wall outlets are provided in a plurality of prongconfigurations wherein different prong configurations may provide thesame or different power signals. Typical power signals provided at suchoutlets can include 110-115V, 15 A; 110-115V, 20 A; 215-230V, 50 A powersignals, the latter of which can be configured differently inresidential versus industrial applications. It is understood that theseparticular power signals are merely exemplary and other types of powersignals can commonly be delivered to an electrical outlet for poweringdevices connected thereto.

Welding has applications in many industries and in many situations thatarise therein. In any dynamic work environment, repairs or manufacturingmay not always be easily and efficiently completed at one workstation.That is, a significant portion of the actual operating of thewelding-type devices is completed at locations remote from a storage ornon-use location of the welding-type device. Due in part to the newcompact designs of welding-type devices and resulting ease ofportability, these welding-type devices can now be moved about a workenvironment or from one location to another wherever welding-operationsmight be required. Often times, the electrical supplies throughout afacility, or from one location to another, are not uniform. That is, adifferent location may have power signals that are different than thepower signal that the welding-type device is currently configured toreceive.

In such circumstances, prior welding-type devices require that the plugor the entire cord of the welding-type device be changed to engage arespective outlet. Changing the plug requires physically severing thecord attached to the plug and individually connecting the wires of thecord to each terminal for each prong of the new plug. Changing theentire power cord requires removing the housing cover, removing theindividual wires of the original power cord from connection to thewelding-type device, then attaching the individual wires of the newpower cord thereto, and then replacing the housing cover to thewelding-type device. Changing the cord or the plug presents thepotential that an operator may improperly connect the plug to the powercord or improperly connect the power cord to the welding-type device.Improper connection of the welding-type device to a power source couldresult in machine malfunction, machine inoperability, or damage to thecomponents thereof. Additionally, repeatedly changing the plug or theentire cord of the welding-type device is time consuming and reducesprocess efficiencies.

Additionally, when an operator changes the entire cord or the plugassociated with the welding-type device, the operator may also berequired to adjust the controls of the welding-type device to match thepower source of the welding-type device to the power signals providedthereto. Failure to properly configure the power source of thewelding-type device to receive the power signals delivered, or theoutlet with which the plug is configured to be engaged, can result indamage or in-operability to the electrical components of thewelding-type device or damage to the source to which it is connected. Assuch, not only must the operator be attentive to the physical connectionof the individual conductors of the power cord to the appropriate prongsof a plug or the physical connection of the individual conductors of thepower cord to the power supply, but must also ensure that the controlsof the welding-type device are configured correctly for the power signaldelivered.

It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method capable ofconnecting a welding-type device to a plurality of differentlyconfigured outlets such that the welding-type device is operable with aplurality of different input signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method of connecting awelding-type device to a plurality of outlet configurations thatovercome the aforementioned drawbacks. Moreover, the outletconfigurations can have similar or different electrical signalcharacteristics. The power cord system includes a power cord that has afirst end connected to a transformer of a welding-type device and asecond end operably engageable with a plurality of adapters. Eachadapter is constructed to engage an outlet having a unique receptacleconfiguration such that only a corresponding plug is engageabletherewith.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electricaladapter is disclosed to connect a welding-type apparatus to alternatepower supply configurations. The adapter includes a body having a firstend and a second end opposite the first end. The first end includes anumber of prongs extending therefrom. The number of prongs is configuredto engage an electrical supply outlet. The second end is constructed toremoveably engage a power cord. The second end includes a number ofconductors connectable to the power cord that is greater than the numberof the number of prongs of the first end.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a welding-typedevice is disclosed that includes a power source configured to generatea power signal suitable for welding-type applications. The device alsoincludes a transformer electrically connected to the power source and acord. The device includes a number of adapters, each adapter having afirst plug configuration that is different than a first plugconfiguration of at least one other adapter of the number of adaptersand a second plug configuration that is common to the at least one otheradapter of the number of adapters. The cord includes a number ofconductors passing therethrough and includes a first end connectable tothe transformer of the welding-type device and a second end having acord plug configuration that is engageable with the second plugconfiguration of each of the number of adapters.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a power cord kitis disclosed that includes a first adapter having a number of prongs.The number of prongs includes a prong configuration to engage an outletconstructed to deliver a power signal of approximately 115V. The kitalso includes a second adapter having a number of prongs. The number ofprongs includes a prong configuration to engage an outlet constructed todeliver a power signal of approximately 230V. The power cord includes afirst end connectable to either one of the first and second adapters,and the power cord includes at least one more conductor than the numberof prongs on either one of the first and second adapters.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a methodof powering a welding-type device is disclosed that includes providing apower cord a number of conductors and a first end connectable to awelding-type device, and a second end non-connectable to a standardoutlet. The method also includes adapting the second end of the powercord to engage a first outlet configuration and electrically connect thewelding-type device to the first outlet by a first set of conductors ofthe number of conductors. Additionally, the method includes adapting thesecond end of the power cord to engage a second outlet configurationdifferent than the first outlet configuration and electrically connectthe welding-type device to the second outlet by a second set ofconductors of the number of conductors different than the first set ofconductors.

Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a welding-typedevice that includes a power source constructed to generate a powersignal suitable for welding-type applications. The device also includesa power cord having a number of conductors and one end attached to thepower source, and a means for switching from one set of conductors toanother to maintain power source operability at different power supplysignals.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the present inventionwill be made apparent from the following detailed description and thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplatedfor carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 perspective view of a welding-type device incorporating the powercord system and plurality of adapters of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end of the power cord shown in FIG. 1with a respective adapter attached thereto.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power cord system shown in FIG. 2with the respective adapter removed therefrom.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an adapter with the recesses of theadapter constructed to engage the power cord shown in phantom therein.

FIG. 4B is an elevational view of an end of a respective adapter that isconstructed to engage an adapter end of the power cord.

FIG. 5A is an elevational view of the adapter end of the power cordshown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5B-5E are elevational end views showing the respective prongorientation of each of the adapters shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the connection of the power cordshown in FIG. 1 to the transformer of the power supply of thewelding-type device shown therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As one skilled in the art will fully appreciate, the hereinafterdescription of welding-type devices not only includes welders but mayalso include any system such as heating and cutting systems.Additionally, a person skilled in the art will further appreciate thatthe present invention is applicable to any device that may be operatedat a plurality of different input power signals. Reference to weldingpower, welding-type device, welding-type power, or welders generally,includes welding, cutting, or heating power. Description of awelding-type apparatus or device illustrates just one embodiment inwhich the present invention may be implemented. Understandably, thepresent invention is equivalently applicable with other systems that aredesirable to be powered at multiple impact powers, such as for cuttingand heating.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a welding device 10applicable with the present invention is shown. Welding device 10includes a housing 12 enclosing the internal components, including awelding-type power supply 14 and other components necessary for carryingout a particular welding-type process. Optionally, the welding device 10includes a handle 16 attached to housing 12 for transporting the weldingsystem from one location to another. To effectuate the welding process,such as TIG or MIG welding, the welding device includes a torch 18 aswell as a work clamp 20. The work clamp 20 is configured to ground aworkpiece 22 to be welded. As is known, when an electrode (not shown)extending from torch 18 is positioned in relative proximity to workpiece22, a welding arc or cutting arc results, depending upon the particularwelding desired. A pair of cables 24 and 26 electrically connect thetorch 18 and work clamp 20 to the welding-type power supply 14 locatedin housing 12, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, a power cord assembly 28 extends from welding device10 and is constructed to electrically connect welding-type power supply14 with an external power source such as a power grid represented byoutlet 30. Power cord assembly 28 includes a power cord 29 having afirst end 32 electrically connected to welding-type power supply 14 anda second end 34 having an adapter 36 connected thereto. Adapter 36 has afirst end 38 constructed to electrically engage second end 34 of powercord 29 and a second end 40 having a plurality of prongs 42 extendingtherefrom and configured to engage outlet 30. Such a construction allowsan operator to quickly and efficiently electrically connect anddisconnect welding device 10 to an electrical outlet having a particularconfiguration.

Also shown in FIG. 1, power cord assembly 28 includes a second, third,and fourth adapters 44, 46, 48. Each adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 has a firstend 38 that is substantially similar to the first ends of the otheradapters such that each of the adapters is individually connectable tosecond end 34 of power cord 29. Additionally, each of adapters 36, 44,46, 48 has a second end 40 having a plurality of prongs 42 extendingtherefrom. The plurality of prongs 42 of each of adapters 36, 44, 46, 48is uniquely oriented as compared to the plurality of prongs of each ofthe other adapters. That is, the plurality of prongs 42 of each ofadapters 36, 44, 46, and 48 is unique to each individual adapter suchthat each individual adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 is configured toelectrically engage a respective outlet having a receptacle orientationthat is configured to receive the plurality of prongs 42 of an adapterassociated therewith. As such, power cord assembly 28 is operablyengageable with a plurality of electrical outlets wherein each of theelectrical outlets is differently configured. Accordingly, any deviceequipped with power cord assembly 28 can be powered by a plurality ofunique electrical signals across plug interfaces with differing plugorientations.

Also shown in FIG. 1, each adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 may be equipped with alanyard or tether 50 such that the adapters that are not electricallyengaged with power cord 29 are securely attached to the power cordassembly 28 such that they are transportable therewith. Accordingly,separate storage and location of each of the individual adapters is notrequired. That is, when an operator changes the adapter connected topower cord 29, each of the adapters can be quickly and efficientlylocated along power cord 29 between the adapter connected thereto andwelding device 10. Optionally, each adapter may receive a removablecover, such as a plastic housing, to protect the prongs of the adaptersnot in use from dirt, debris, corrosion, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows power cord 29 having an adapter 36 attached thereto and theplurality of prongs 42 of adapter 36 removed from an outlet as shown inFIG. 1. The plurality of prongs 42 extend from second end 40 of adapter36 such that they are electrically engageable with an outlet whenplugged therein. Adapter 36 has a body 52 that extends between secondend 40 having plurality of prongs 42 positioned thereat and first end38. First end 38 of adapter 36 is constructed to electrically andmechanically couple the adapter to second end 34 of power cord 29. Powercord 29 has a collar 54 rotatably attached thereto. Collar 54threadingly engages second end 38 of each of adapters 36, 44, 46, 48such that each of the adapters are individually connectable to powercord 29 with collar 54. Lanyard 50 of adapter 36 has a first end 56 thatis attached to body 52 of adapter 36 and a second end 58 having a loop60 thereat. Loop 60 of lanyard 50 encircles power cord 29 such thatadapter 36 is secured thereto regardless of whether the adapter isengaged with collar 54 of power cord 29.

As shown in FIG. 3, adapters 36, 44, 46, 48 are removeably engageablewith second end 34 of power cord 29. Collar 54 is rotatably attached topower cord 29 such that rotation of collar 54 relative to power cord 29allows a threading 62, internal to collar 54, to threadingly engage athreading 64 of adapters 36, 44, 46, 48, respectively. A channel 65 isformed between second end 34 of power cord 29 and collar 54 and isconstructed to snuggly engage a respective adapter 36, 44, 46, 48. Sucha construction forms a relatively robust connection that is capable ofextended operation in harsh work environments.

A plurality of contacts 66 extend from second end 34 of power cord 29within a perimeter 67 of channel 65. Each contact 66 is electricallyisolated from the other contacts 66 of power cord 29. Power cord 29includes four wires (not shown) passing therethrough, one for eachcontact 66, the importance of which is described further below withrespect to FIG. 6. It is equally understood that a power cord havingfour contacts is merely exemplary and providing a power cord having anumber of contacts other than four is within the scope of the presentclaims.

Plurality of contacts 66 include an indexing contact 68 orientedgenerally transverse to the remaining plurality of contacts 66 such thatindexing contact 68 rotationally orients adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 during aconnection process. Such a construction ensures that the individualprongs of an adapter attached to power cord 29 are electrically coupledto a desired contact 66 of power cord 29.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A, first end 38 of adapter 36 is shown. Theconstruction of first end 38 is substantially similar for each ofadapters 36, 44, 46, 48 such that each of the adapters is connectable topower cord 29. Adapter 36 includes a shoulder 70 that extends from firstend 38 of body 52 of the adapter. Shoulder 70 is constructed to besnuggly and threadingly received in channel 65 of power cord 29 shown inFIG. 3 such that collar 54 threadingly engages shoulder 70 therebysecurely connecting adapter 36 and power cord 29. Each adapter 36, 44,46, 48 includes a plurality of receptacles 72 formed in second end 38thereof. Receptacles 72 are constructed to electrically engage contacts66 of power cord 29. Additionally, receptacles 72 include an indexingreceptacle 74 that is oriented generally transverse to the otherreceptacles 72 and is constructed to only engage indexing contact 68 ofpower cord 29. The cooperative relationship between the indexing contact68 of power cord 29 and indexing receptacle 74 of each of adapters 36,44, 46, 48 ensures repeatable connectability between the individualadapters and power cord 29 with the prongs 42 of the respective adapter36, 44, 46, 48 properly associated with the desired contacts 66 of powercord 29.

FIG. 4B shows first end 38 of adapter 36, 44, 46, 48. First end 38 isgenerally uniform among adapters 36, 44, 46, 48 which supports each ofthe adapters being connectable to the power cord. Shoulder 70 extendsfrom each adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 such that the shoulder generallysurrounds plurality of receptacles 72 and indexing receptacle 74. Such aconstruction allows shoulder 70 to protect the integrity of receptacles72 when a respective adapter is not attached to power cord 29 andensures quick and efficient attachment of a desired adapter 36, 44, 46,48 to power cord 29.

As shown in FIG. 5A, second end 34 of power cord 29 is constructed tooperatively engage first end 38 of each of adapters 36, 44, 46, 48 shownin FIG. 4B. Plurality of contacts 66 of power cord 29 slidingly engageplurality of receptacles 72, shown in FIG. 4B, of adapters 36, 44, 46,48 when indexing contact 68 of power cord 29 is axially aligned withindexing receptacle 74 of any of adapters 36, 44, 46, 48. Rotation ofcollar 54 relative to power cord 29 securely attaches a respectiveadapter 36, 44, 46, 48 thereto for connection with a desired electricaloutlet.

FIGS. 5B-5E show the respective second ends 40 of exemplary adapters 36,44, 46, and 48. Each adapter includes a plurality of prongs 42 orientedto engage a corresponding outlet for supplying power to the welding-typedevice attached to the respective adapter via the power cord. As shownin FIG. 5B, plurality of prongs 42 of adapter 36 are oriented to engagean electrical outlet generally constructed to provide a power signal ofapproximately 115V, 15 A. Alternatively, when a 115V, 15 A electricaloutlet is not readily available, adapter 44, shown in FIG. 5C, can beattached to the power cord. Adapter 44 includes a plurality of prongs 42oriented to engage a 115V, 20 A electrical outlet thereby providingelectrical connection of the welding-type device to an external powersource such as a power grid. Alternatively, when neither of the previousoutlets configurations are available, adapter 46, shown in FIG. 5D,includes a plurality of prongs 42 oriented to engage a 230V, 50 Aelectrical outlet. However 230V, 50 A electrical outlets are commonlyprovided in two distinct orientations. Adapter 48, shown in FIG. 5E alsoincludes a plurality of prongs 42 oriented to engage an alternate 230V,50 A electrical outlet configuration. As such, regardless of whichelectrical outlet configuration a particular work site prefers or isavailable, a device including the present power cord system isconnectable therewith. It is understood that the specific prongorientations disclosed above are merely exemplary and further that anynumber of adapters can be provided to electrically connect thewelding-type device with a plurality of differently configuredelectrical outlets. It is also understood that the number of prongsextending from the adapter may also vary depending on the number ofrecesses formed in a particular outlet configuration. That is, althougheach adapter 36, 44, 46, 48 is shown to have three individual prongs 42extending therefrom, other numbers of prongs may be provided to engagealternate outlet configurations. The power cord system of the presentinvention forms a highly versatile welding-type device that can beoperated at a plurality of distinct electrical inputs and simply andefficiently adapted from connectable with a first outlet orientation toconnectable with another outlet orientation different than the firstoutlet orientation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating connection of power cord 29 to powersupply 14 of welding-type device 10. Power cord 29 includes a series ofelectrically isolated conductors 76, 78, 80, 82. Conductors 76, 78, 80,82 extend between power supply 14 of welding-type device 10 and contacts66 of power cord 29 shown in FIG. 3. Conductors 78, 80 are connectedthrough a switch array 84 into a transformer 86 of power supply 14 ofwelding type device 10. Conductor 76 is connected directly totransformer 86 and conductor 82 is connected to a ground 88 ofwelding-type device 10. The prongs of the individual adapters areoriented to be aligned with the appropriate contacts of the power cordsuch that the individual conductors 76, 78, 80, 82 of power cord 29 areconnected to an input side 88 of transformer 86 such that no operatoradjustment is required beyond changing the respective adapter toconfigure the welding-type device to operate at the power signalcorresponding to the outlet configuration associated with the adapter.Understandably, an operator may desire to further adjust a weld powersignal communicated from an output side 90 of transformer 86.Welding-type device 10 is provided with an output power adjustment 92that allows an operator to adjust the power signal received from outputside 90 of transformer 86; however, power cord 29 is connected to powersupply 14 of welding-type device 10 such that power supply 14switchlessly generates a power signal suitable for welding-typeapplications regardless of the adapter attached thereto.

Comparing FIGS. 5B-5E and FIG. 6, it can be appreciated that power cable29 includes a greater number of conductors 76, 78, 80, 82 than thenumber of prongs 42 of any of the individual adapters 36, 44, 46, 48.Such a construction allows a common power cord to communicate differentpower signals to appropriate points of contact of the power supply ofthe welding-type device. That is, an operator is not required tooperatively select an incoming power signal configuration of the powersupply. Power supply 14 is constructed to communicate the power signalinput through conductors 76, 78, 80, 82 of power cord 29 to theappropriate portion of transformer 86. Referring to FIG. 6, when anadapter configured to engage an outlet having a 230V output is connectedto power cord 29, conductors 78 and 80 communicate with the power leadsof the outlet such that a 230V potential is achievable between taps 94and 98 of transformer 86. When an adapter configured to engage a 115Voutlet is attached to power cord 29, power is communicated from theoutlet to taps 96 and 98 of transformer 86 such that a 115V potential isachievable therebetween. Accordingly, regardless of which adapter 36,44, 46, 48 is connected to power cord 29, transformer 86 is constructedto receive the input power therefrom and communicate a power signalsuitable for generating a welding-type power to output side 90 oftransformer 86 of power supply 14.

Therefore, the present invention includes an electrical adapter toconnect a welding-type apparatus to alternate power supplyconfigurations. The adapter includes a body having a first end and asecond end opposite the first end. The first end includes a number ofprongs extending therefrom. The prongs are configured to engage anelectrical supply outlet. The second end is constructed to removeablyengage a power cord. The second end includes a number of conductorsconnectable to the power cord that is greater than the number of theprongs of the first end.

The present invention also includes a welding-type device having a powersource configured to generate a power signal suitable for welding-typeapplications. The device also includes a transformer electricallyconnected to the power source and a cord. The device includes a numberof adapters, each adapter having a first plug configuration that isdifferent than a first plug configuration of at least one other adapterof the number of adapters and a second plug configuration that is commonto the at least one other adapter of the number of adapters. The cordincludes a number of conductors passing therethrough and includes afirst end connectable to the transformer of the welding-type device anda second end having a cord plug configuration that is engageable withthe second plug configuration of each of the number of adapters.

The present invention further includes a power cord kit having a firstadapter having a number of prongs. The number of prongs includes a prongconfiguration to engage an outlet constructed to deliver a power signalof approximately 115V. The kit also includes a second adapter having anumber of prongs. The number of prongs includes a prong configuration toengage an outlet constructed to deliver a power signal of approximately230V. The power cord includes a first end connectable to either one ofthe first and second adapters, and the power cord includes at least onemore conductor than the number of prongs on either one of the first andsecond adapters.

The present invention also includes a method of powering a welding-typedevice that includes providing a power cord a number of conductors and afirst end connectable to a welding-type device, and a second endnon-connectable to a standard outlet. The method also includes adaptingthe second end of the power cord to engage a first outlet configurationand electrically connect the welding-type device to the first outlet bya first set of conductors of the number of conductors. Additionally, themethod includes adapting the second end of the power cord to engage asecond outlet configuration different than the first outletconfiguration and electrically connect the welding-type device to thesecond outlet by a second set of conductors of the number of conductorsdifferent than the first set of conductors.

The present invention further includes a welding-type device that has apower source constructed to generate a power signal suitable forwelding-type applications. The device also includes a power cord havinga number of conductors and one end attached to the power source, and ameans for switching from one set of conductors to another to maintainpower source operability at different power supply signals.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, andmodifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible andwithin the scope of the appending claims.

1. An electrical adapter to connect a welding-type apparatus toalternate power supply configurations comprising: a body having a firstend and a second end opposite the first end; the first end having aplurality of prongs extending therefrom, the plurality of prongsconfigured to engage an electrical supply outlet; and the second endconstructed to removeably engage a power cord, the second end having anumber of conductors connectable to the power cord that is greater thana number of the plurality of prongs of the first end.
 2. The electricaladapter of claim 1 wherein the number of prongs of the first end isthree and the number of conductors of the second end is four.
 3. Theelectrical adapter of claim 1 wherein the number of conductors of thesecond end includes at least one of a plurality of recesses formed inthe second end and a plurality of prongs extending from the second end.4. The electrical adapter of claim 1 wherein the body further comprisesa plurality of threads formed about the second end, the plurality ofthreads configured to threadingly attach the electrical adapter to thepower cord.
 5. The electrical adapter of claim 1 wherein at least one ofthe number of conductors of the second end of the adapter is furtherdefined as an index conductor, the index conductor constructed torotationally orient the number of conductors of the second end of theadapter and the power cord.
 6. The electrical adapter of claim 1 furthercomprising a recess formed in the second end proximate the number ofconductors of the second end, the recess constructed to snuggly receivean end of the power cord therein to axially orient the power cordthereto.
 7. The electrical adapter of claim 1 wherein each of the numberof conductors have a generally uniform cross-section wherein at leastone of the number of conductors has a cross-section that is orientedgenerally transverse to a cross-section of at least one other conductorof the number of conductors and rotationally orients the electricaladapter to the power cord.
 8. The electrical adapter of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of prongs of the first end are configured to engage atleast one of a 115V, 15 A outlet; a 115V, 20 A outlet; and a 230Voutlet.
 9. The electrical adapter of claim 1 wherein the power cord isconnected to a transformer of a power source constructed to generate apower signal suitable for welding-type applications, the power cordhaving a number of wires extending therethrough equal to the number ofconductors of the second end of the adapter.
 10. The electrical adapterof claim 9 wherein each wire of the number of wires of the power cord isattached to a tap of the transformer separate from another wire of thenumber of wires of the power cord.
 11. A welding-type device comprising:a power source configured to generate a power signal suitable forwelding-type applications; a transformer electrically connected to thepower source and a cord; a plurality of adapters, each adapter having afirst plug configuration that is different than a first plugconfiguration of at least one other adapter of the plurality of adaptersand a second plug configuration that is common to the at least one otheradapter of the plurality of adapters; and the cord having a plurality ofconductors passing therethrough and having a first end connectable tothe transformer of the welding-type device and a second end having acord plug configuration that is engageable with the second plugconfiguration of each of the plurality of adapters.
 12. The welding-typedevice of claim 11 wherein the transformer further comprises a pluralityof taps, each tap connected to a respective conductor of the cord. 13.The welding-type device of claim 11 wherein each adapter furthercomprises a shoulder formed about the second plug configuration.
 14. Thewelding-type device of claim 13 wherein the cord plug configurationfurther comprises a groove formed thereabout, the groove constructed tosnuggly receive the shoulder of a respective adapter therein.
 15. Thewelding-type device of claim 11 further comprising a rotatable collarattached to the cord about the second end, the rotatable collarconstructed to threadingly engage a respective adapter of the pluralityof adapters.
 16. The welding-type device of claim 11 wherein the secondplug configuration of each of the plurality of adapters furthercomprises a plurality of recesses, each recess of the plurality ofrecesses having a generally uniform cross-section.
 17. The welding-typedevice of claim 16 wherein the generally uniform cross-section isgenerally rectangular and at least one of the plurality of recesses isoriented generally transverse to at least one other recess of theplurality of recesses.
 18. The welding-type device of claim 17 whereinthe plug cord configuration includes a plurality prongs extendingtherefrom, at least one of the plurality of prongs having across-section oriented generally transverse to a cross-section ofanother of the plurality of prongs, the at least one of the plurality ofprongs engageable with the at least one of the plurality of recesses ofeach of the plurality of adapters.
 19. A power cord kit comprising: afirst adapter having a plurality of prongs, the plurality of prongshaving a prong configuration to engage an outlet constructed to delivera power signal of approximately 115V; a second adapter having aplurality of prongs, the plurality of prongs having a prongconfiguration to engage an outlet constructed to deliver a power signalof approximately 230V; and a power cord having a first end connectableto either one of the first and second adapters and wherein the powercord has at least one more conductor than the plurality of prongs oneither one of the first and second adapters.
 20. The power cord kit ofclaim 19 wherein the first adapter is connectable to an outletconstructed to deliver a power signal of approximately 115V, 15 A andthe kit further comprises a third adapter connectable to an outletconstructed to deliver a power signal of approximately 115V, 20 A. 21.The power cord kit of claim 19 wherein the second adapter is connectableto an outlet constructed to deliver a power signal of approximately230V, 50 A and the kit further comprises a third adapter connectable toan outlet constructed to deliver a power signal of approximately 230V,50 A and having a prong configuration different than the prongconfiguration of the second adapter.
 22. The power cord kit of claim 19further comprising a tether extending between each of the first andsecond adapters and the power cord.
 23. The power cord kit of claim 22wherein the tether further comprises a loop constructed to encircle thepower cord.
 24. The power cord kit of claim 19 wherein the power cordfurther comprises a rotatable collar attached thereto, the rotatablecollar constructed to engage and secure either one of the first andsecond adapters to the power cord.
 25. A method of powering awelding-type device comprising: providing a power cord having aplurality of conductors and a first end connectable to a welding-typedevice and a second end non-connectable to a standard outlet; adaptingthe second end of the power cord to engage a first outlet configurationand electrically connect the welding-type device to the first outlet bya first set of conductors of the plurality of conductors; and adaptingthe second end of the power cord to engage a second outlet configurationdifferent than the first outlet configuration and electrically connectthe welding-type device to the second outlet by a second set ofconductors of the plurality of conductors different than the first setof the conductors.
 26. The method of claim 25 further comprisingadapting the second end of the power cord to engage a third outletconfiguration different than the first outlet configuration and thesecond outlet configuration.
 27. A welding-type device comprising: apower source constructed to generate a power signal suitable forwelding-type applications; a power cord having a number of conductorsand one end attached to the power source; and means for switching fromone set of conductors to another to maintain power source operability atdifferent power supply signals.
 28. The welding-type device of claim 27wherein the switching means includes a plurality of adapters, eachadapter electrically connectable to the power cord and configured toengage an outlet.
 29. The welding-type device of claim 27 wherein eachconductor of the number of conductors of the power cord is attached to atap of a transformer of the power source different than a tap of anotherconductor of the number of conductors.